After retiring from the CFL about six months ago, Marc-Antoine Dequoy has returned to the field to compete for a football title. The 31-year-old safety is now part of the Canadian men’s team currently in Duesseldorf, Germany, participating in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world flag football championship. Dequoy had announced his retirement from the Montreal Alouettes in February after playing for five seasons.
Dequoy explained that his decision to retire from the CFL was mainly due to physical reasons. Knowing his body wouldn’t withstand the demands of a full CFL season, he felt it was time to step back from professional football to preserve his well-being. Despite initially not considering flag football, Dequoy eventually embraced the opportunity after consulting with friends and giving it a try, finding joy in the competition.
Although he briefly paused his flag football pursuits to co-host a television show from March to May, Dequoy felt a calling back to competitive sports. This led him to reconnect with coach LaPolice and express his interest in returning to the field, highlighting his passion for the game. Despite his successful CFL career and two Grey Cup appearances, flag football presented a fresh challenge for Dequoy, requiring adjustments in his playing style.
Transitioning to the flag game, Dequoy admitted to facing challenges in breaking old habits from traditional football, particularly in avoiding physical contact and adjusting to the unique rules of the sport. Despite the learning curve, Dequoy remained determined to adapt and improve his skills for the championship.
Canada’s flag football team encountered a shift in their schedule as Nigeria withdrew from the tournament due to visa issues. As a result, the remaining teams in the group were awarded wins, altering the preliminary round matchups for Canada. With Olympic qualifications at stake, the team refocused on securing top finishes to earn spots in the upcoming games.
Dequoy emphasized the team’s shared goal of qualifying for the Olympics, highlighting the significance of the championship as a pathway to the prestigious event. The competition in Germany serves as a crucial step towards achieving their Olympic dreams, motivating the players to perform at their best in pursuit of success. Failing to secure a spot in the current tournament would mean additional challenges in future qualifiers, underlining the importance of their current performance.
For Dequoy, the prospect of Olympic participation represents a pinnacle in his athletic career, offering a new avenue for success and recognition in the sport. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, he looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in the world of flag football and the journey towards Olympic glory.
